The Bahamas is a nation consisting of more than 3,000 islands. Following a period of sporadic occupation by Spain, English settlements were established in the mid seventeenth century on the islands of Eleuthera and New Providence and the Bahamas became a Crown colony in 1717. In 1776 the Bahamas surrendered to American forces and were captured by Spain in 1782 but they were recaptured by British forces in 1783 and were officially restored to Great Britain later that year under the Treaty of Versailles. In 1973 the Bahamas became an independent state within the Commonwealth.

The third tranche of records relating to the administration of the Bahamas covers the years 1962 – 1973 and concern preparations for independence. The records are arranged below within subject areas based on the non-standard registration system used within the Commissioner’s and Governor’s private office.

**Land ownership**

FCO 141/13101: copies of leases and maps concerning the transfer of coastal land plots and the adjacent sea bed in an area known as the 'tongue of the ocean' for an undersea test evaluation centre and oceanographic research station, land at San Salvador for a US Naval facility and land at New Providence (eastern district) for War Office purposes, 1962-1973

**International**

FCO 141/13102: Commonwealth Foundation: this file consists of a letter from the foundation concerning joining fees upon independence, papers concerning the visit to Nassau of Mr Chadwick, director of the Commonwealth Foundation, and an itinerary of his grand tour of the Pacific which took in Fiji, Tonga, New Hebrides, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, India and Mauritius, 1972-1973

FCO 141/13104: Haiti, British diplomatic representation: despatches regarding the possibility of the Government of the Bahamas paying the balance of the salary of Mr le Grand, prospective British Consul in Haiti, annual reviews of Haiti, the death of Papa Doc Duvalier and the appointment of J. D. Murray as Chargé d'Affaires in Haiti, 1969-1973 Economic and Social

FCO 141/13103: Turks and Caicos Islands – financial aid: paper on the economic prospects of Turks and Caicos Islands by David Tipping, Economic Advisor, British Development Division in the Caribbean, 1973-1973

FCO 141/13106: Bahamas Government – financial position: reports by Sir John Paul, Governor of the Bahamas, in preparation for independence, 1972-1973

FCO 141/13107: Replies from the Caribbean Department to questions about the Bahamas posed by the Joint Warfare Establishment, Old Sarum, on the subjects of ethnic divisions, historic disagreements, living standards, family tradition, student activism, religion, religious sensitivities, attitudes towards the British Government, security threats, habits and customs, 1973-1973

Constitution

FCO 141/13105: Bahamas Independence Constitution: file contains outline programme for drafting constitution and draft chapters of Bahamas constitution with comments by Governor Paul, the Attorney General of the Bahamas and the Chair of the Bahamas Public Services Committee, 1973-1973

Defence

FCO 141/13109: Cuba: includes report from British Embassy, Havana on US-Cuban relations, annual review of Cuba, suggestion to invite Cuban officials to attend independence celebrations, discussion on US intervention in Bahamas territorial waters and airspace and establishment of charter flights between Havana and Nassau, 1973-1973

FCO 141/13110: Defence issues: US bases in the Bahamas: reports on tripartite talks between the Ministry of Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and US State Department, views of Governor Paul, copies of leases for US bases and arrangements for reciprocal over-flights and landing privileges between US and UK military aircraft, 1973-1973 Colonial administration records (migrated archives): Ceylon

Following earlier settlements by the Dutch and Portuguese, the British colony of Ceylon was established in 1802 but it was not until the annexation of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815 that the entire island came under British control. In 1948 Ceylon was made a self-governing state and a member of the British Commonwealth, and in 1972 it became the independent republic under the name of Sri Lanka.

The third tranche of records relating to the administration of Ceylon covers the period 1883 to 1948, with the exception of one file of despatches for the years 1847 to 1875. Unlike the lists of documents from other countries represented within FCO 141, the files for Ceylon have not been arranged in the list below by subject heading but instead by the type and the originator of the despatch or telegram. This is because each file contains numerous subjects and it is not possible to categorize them by topic. Some of the despatches are arranged under the heading Soulbury Constitution. The Soulbury Constitution (1947) paved the way for the independence of Ceylon and the files contain material between October 1947 and February 1948 relating to independence, but also to more general matters.

Confidential despatches from the Secretary of state for the Colonies

FCO 141/2012-2036, 2047-2049, 2055-2058, 2061, 2063-2064: the despatches consist of circular notices on a variety of subjects such as drugs trafficking, admiralty fleet orders, meteorological reports, hygiene, trade and industry, pilgrimages, censorship, codes and ciphers, air raid precautions and air conditioning. Despatches particular to Ceylon include replies from the secretary of state to reports and memoranda from government departments and reports of commissions, papers relating to civil servants, including some application forms, medical reports, job descriptions and various memorials in relation to pay and terms and conditions. 1937-1947

Secret despatches from the Secretary of State for the Colonies

FCO 141/2037-2046, 2050-2053, 2065-2066, 2068: secret despatches covering subjects such as ciphers and telegraph censorship, trade and shipping during the war, local defence in the colonies, nationality of aliens, visas, was publicity in Ceylon, the emergency powers defence bill, naval defence of Ceylon, standards of living, German propaganda reports and the recruitment of British civil servants for the colonies during the post-war reconstruction period. 1939-1947

Confidential and secret saving telegrams from the Secretary of State for the Colonies

FCO 141/2054, 2059-2060, 2069-2070: telegrams from the Colonial Secretary covering trade with America, wartime use of the Emergency Powers (Colonial Defence) Bill, treatment of internees, settlement of claims of compensation regarding properties occupied by the defence departments, statistical reports on food and related economic matters, trading with the enemy and US request for airfield facilities in British or British controlled areas. 1939-1948

Confidential and secret telegrams to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and to the Governor of Ceylon

FCO 141/2071: telegrams relating to honours and awards, forged banknotes, visits of princes and dignitaries, escaped convicts and appointments of officials. 1907-1916

Secret and confidential despatches to the Secretary of State for the Colonies

FCO 141/2072-2073, 2082, 2083, 2085-2097: entry copies of confidential despatches to the Colonial Secretary regarding defence issues, appointments, promotions, new year’s honours, conference and committee reports, ordinances, salaries, the Ceylon railway, Ceylon’s annual military contribution, codes and ciphers, drainage works, mail service, proposal of a unit from the Ceylon Light Infantry to serve in Egypt (1914) and customs tariffs. 1847-1930

Governor’s secret and personal despatches to the Colonial Office and the Secretary of State for the Colonies

FCO 141/2079-2081: the Governor’s personal series, including letter in FCO 141/2079 from D. S. Senanayake, Prime Minister of Ceylon, to Governor Sir Henry Moore, regarding decision of Ceylon cabinet that he be appointed Governor-General for the duration of the time that he would have had left as Governor and then be replaced by a Ceylonese and a letter in FCO 141/2081 from Governor Moore confirming bestowal of honours and awards upon British and Ceylonese civil servants. 1947-1948

FCO 141/2088 includes some notable files on anti-Mohammedan riots that took place in 1915, including reports from Governor Robert Chalmers and Brigadier General Malcolm, officer commanding the troops, covering the imposition of martial law and measures to halt the riots; FCO 141/2089/1 contains reports on the summary execution of rioters; FCO 141/2089/2 includes lists of prisoners convicted of offences in connection with the riots, who were subsequently released or whose sentences were modified on the orders of the governor; FCO 141/2089/3 includes reports of the commission of enquiry into the causes and character of the 1915 riots, and analysis of measures adopted for their suppression, for the punishment of offenders and for the administration of the island under martial law; FCO 141/2089/4 contains a memorial to the Colonial Secretary from the European community in Ceylon regarding the dismissal of 7 officials, including planters and magistrates who were part of the Ceylon Volunteer Force or members of the town Guard Artillery, for their part in the execution of rioters.

Confidential and secret despatches from the Secretary of State for the Colonies

FCO 141/2074, 2084: duplicate copies of confidential despatches received from the Secretary of State, detailing vacancies and appointments, conference reports, the work of the Empire marketing Board and a general project for the defence of Ceylon. 1892-1907, 1926 Colonial administration records (migrated archives): Cyprus

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Cyprus was handed over to Britain by Turkey for administrative purposes in 1878 though not formally ceded. Responsibility for Cyprus affairs was transferred from the Foreign Office to the Colonial Office on 6 December 1880. Following the outbreak of the First World War, and the decision of the Ottoman Empire to join the war on the side of the Central Powers, Cyprus was annexed to the British crown. The annexation was recognised by both Turkey and Greece under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and in 1925 Cyprus became a British Crown Colony. Cyprus became an independent republic on 16 August 1960 and a member of the Commonwealth on 13 March 1961.

The third tranche of records relating to the administration of Cyprus covers the years 1939 – 1960. The records are arranged below within subject areas based on the non-standard registration system used within the Commissioner’s and Governor’s private office.

**Emergency Measures (War-Time)**

FCO 141/2678-2680, 2732-2733, 2761, 2787-2788, 2834: a series of files dealing with the implementation of emergency powers during World War II including legislation, internal security, food supplies, curfew, transport, censorship and the establishment of special tribunals, 1939-45

**Political Developments**

FCO 141/2766-2771, 2775-2781: monthly reports from the British Commissioners stationed in Famagusta, Nicosia, Kyrenia, Limassol and Paphos. The subjects covered in the reports include imports and exports, agricultural production, police and crime, political developments and public health issues, 1941-51

**Detention and Detainees**

FCO 141/3640-3660: a collection of twenty files covering the detention of individuals under emergency regulations including the proscription of AKEL (Progressive Party of Working People), the detention of communists and trade unionists, and meetings between the Governor and leaders of the Greek community including Archbishop Makarios A number of these files contain lists of names of those to be detained. FCO 14/3645 includes a signed proclamation of Emergency Powers by Sir John Harding dated 26 November 1955, 1955-60

**Collective Punishment**

FCO 141/3688-95: these files detail the collective fines imposed on towns and villages in the Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta and Paphos districts. The files also describe countermeasures employed against civil disturbances, collective punishment and lists of troublemakers and reliable members of the community. 1955-60

**Enosis – Union with Greece**

FCO 141/4092-4107: a run of files originally held in the Colonial Secretary’s Office detailing the development of Enosis politics over a twenty year period including activities in the USA and reaction to the EOKA truce declaration. 1938-57

**Internal Security and Emergency Regulations**

FCO 141/4448-4449, 4486-4494, 4518-4522: a series of files describing the measures taken to restore law and order. Included in the files is a report into the murder of Mrs Catherine Cutliffe at Famagusta and subsequent incidents; the Commission of Inquiry into incidents at Guenyeli; a 59 page personality ‘sketch’ of Colonel Georgios Grivas; the security arrangements put in place for the return of Archbishop Makarios; reports on communal disturbances; arms smuggling and the measures employed to protect isolated mixed communities and British interests after independence. 1957-60

**Intelligence Reports**

FCO 141/4523-24: two intelligence reports created by Special Branch primarily detailing with political intelligence in the Greece and Turkish communities, 1959-60 Jamaica was occupied by the British during 1655 and a governor established two years later. The constitution which was adopted in the 1660’s included an elective House of Assembly. After the repression of the Morant Bay ‘rebellion’ of 1865, however, the House of Assembly was abolished and Jamaica became a crown colony, although an element of representative government was later restored.

The period after the First World War saw an emerging opposition to colonial rule, both in terms of the labour movement and political parties seeking constitutional reform. Such reform accelerated after the Second World War. In 1958, Jamaica joined the Federation of the West Indies, together with the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands. However, the Federation was short-lived, as Jamaica withdrew in 1962 to become an independent state within the Commonwealth.

Many of the files relate to defence, including Jamaica’s defence scheme, and to other security-related topics, and have been grouped accordingly. Apart from the defence scheme files, many of the files cover the period of Jamaica’s inclusion in the Federation of the West Indies, between 1958 and 1962. They contain combinations of correspondence, memoranda, reports, minutes, publications and press cuttings.

Secretary of State for the Colonies

FCO 141/5181, 5209, 5211, 5214, 5216: circulars and despatches from Secretary of State for the Colonies. The files deal generally with subjects of Commonwealth-wide interest 1958-62.

Defence and security

A large proportion of the files deal with defence matters and particularly the defence scheme for Jamaica, which was submitted to the Colonial Defence Committee (later Overseas Defence Committee, a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence).

Defence Scheme

FCO 141/5178, 5183-5186, 5187-5188, 5189-5190, 5192-5193, 5195-5196, 5199-5201, 5206-5207, 5218, 5220, 5231-5234, 5236-5238, 5239-5242, 5247-5250, 5251, 5253-5255, 5257, 5264, 5267-5268, 5270-5272, 5278, 5382, 5285, 5292, 5396, 5398, 5417, 5423, 5430: Jamaica Defence Scheme. Files consist of correspondence, memoranda and correspondence, and drafts of the various chapters of the scheme, including military measures to be taken in event of war, protection of key installations, measures to be in case of civil 'internal rising or civil riot', amendments to scheme in the context of possible thermo-nuclear war 1927-61

**Other defence-related files**

FCO 141/5177, 5191, 5194, 5198, 5219, 5221, 5223, 5225-5226, 5228-5229, 5235, 5256, 5266, 5269, 5273-5276, 5279-5280, 5283, 5286-5288, 5274, 5300, 5303, 5304-5205, 5318-5220, 5321, 5323, 5325, 5328-5229, 5335-5236, 5337, 5365, 5369 5375-5276, 5382-5284, 5388, 5392, 5397, 5400-5203, 5410, 5413, 5433, 5438: Correspondence, memoranda and minutes on defence topics including Jamaica Defence Force, combined defence plan; West India Regiment; territorial force; defence arrangements for the Federation of the West Indies and after independence; US Defence areas and missile sites; defence pact and liaison with the United Kingdom after independence; Defence Committee; civil defence; censorship 1933-62

**Naval**

FCO 141/5260, 5360, 5387: establishment of Sound Surveillance Station in the West Indies, by United States Navy; Oceanographic Research Station in the Turks and Caicos Islands 1953-54

FCO 141/5261: annual return of naval resources 1959

**Intelligence and security**

FCO 141/5205: visit of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Chief of the Defence Staff to Jamaica, March 1962

FCO 141/5210: Emergency Scheme working copy 1950

FCO 141/5316, 5361: Security Liaison Officers, correspondence; 1951-62

FCO 141/5362: Security Intelligence Advisers, Colonial Office 1958-62

FCO 141/5331, 5391: ciphers, including Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands 1958-62

FCO 141/5346, 546: H A Drayton, Mrs K B Drayton; Dudley J Thompson; security report 1959-60

FCO 141/5182: Headquarters Caribbean Area internal security instructions 1957-61

FCO 141/5393: organisation of Intelligence; proactive security 1956-61

FCO 141/5411, 5379, 5408-5409: top secret documents handing-over certificates; security arrangements in government departments 1946-59

FCO 141/5432, 5434: Local Standing Intelligence Committee (LSIC) reports, vols 1 and 6 1957-62

FCO 141/5385: Special Branch daily situation reports; cane fires 1960

FCO 141/5418: communism in Jamaica 1952-62

FCO 141/5374: vetting of Chief Secretary's Office staff 1958-60

FCO 141/5453: reports; activities of foreign aircraft and vessels in the Cayman Islands 1959-61

FCO 141/5441: planning for evacuation from Cuba of UK and Canadian citizens 1961 FCO 141/5452: International Communist Conference, on Sino-Soviet differences 1961

FCO 141/5312: security arrangements with respect to explosives stores 1961

FCO 141/5311: Sino-Soviet Bloc arms exports 1961

FCO 141/5315: bunkering of Communist Chinese ships 1961

FCO 141/5179: Joint Intelligence report on Guatemala 1961

FCO 141/5245: issue of visas to Cubans wishing to enter Jamaica in order to proceed to USA 1961-62

FCO 141/5297: recommendations of Aliens Advisory Committee 1942-62

FCO 141/5338: visit of Mr Djuka Djulius 1961-62

FCO 141/5489: restriction of passport facilities to persons of Colonial origin resident in the UK 1961

FCO 141/5469: western colonialism as presented to the peoples of the Soviet Union 1962

FCO 141/5308: release of Mr and Mrs Fritz Lackenbach 1939-42

FCO 141/5435: W Adolphe Robert; applications to visit and reside 1939-53

FCO 141/5487: Internal Security Scheme; Colonial police forces, special constables 1949

FCO 141/5377: alleged appropriation of monies of Turks Islands Workers Union by Mr R E Basden 1953-54

FCO 141/5290: security vetting of staff 1959-60

FCO 141/5420: United States Sound Surveillance Station on Grand Turk Island 1954

FCO 141/5386: lawlessness in the Turks and Caicos Islands 1955

FCO 141/5412: co-ordination of civil and service authorities 1947-62

FCO 141/5202: movements of United States and British warships 1941-47

FCO 141/5436: evacuation of British subjects from the Middle East 1949-54

FCO 141/5376: the World Federation of Trade Unions 1958

FCO 141/5414-5416, 5419: Caribbean Area Military Forces, north and south 1947-54;

FCO 141/5378: coordination of services 1947

FCO 141/5380: B L St J Hamilton; security reports 1950-59

FCO 141/5288, 5444: security of bauxite installations in Jamaica 1951-56

FCO 141/5314: correspondence and papers; grades of secrecy 1943-61

FCO 141/5244: visa regulations for Cubans entering British Guiana and other Commonwealth countries 1961

FCO 141/5399: postal and telecommunications censorship 1956-58

FCO 141/5486: Jamaica local forces: rates of pay, allowances and leave 1948-58 FCO 141/5407: privileges to United States military and civilian aircraft on official flights 1952-62

FCO 141/5372: senior staff meetings 1960-62

FCO 141/5310: flights by unidentified aircraft over Jamaica air space 1961-62

FCO 141/5339, 5348: US application to establish a LORAN (long range aid to navigation) station in Jamaica and agreement 1955-60

FCO 141/5445: US radar tracking station for artificial satellites Minitrack site 1956-57

FCO 141/5301: visitors from the Iron Curtain en route to Cuba 1960

FCO 141/5309: appointment of Military Intelligence Officer 1960-62

FCO 141/5454: Special Branch intelligence and training courses 01/01/1960 31/12/1961 6281

FCO 141/5317: racial antagonism; proposed legislation to control public speeches 1961

FCO 141/5422: proposed criminal proceedings against Mr P Evans (barrister) and Mrs S Wilkins 1961

FCO 141/5500: proposed visit to Havana by students of the University of West Indies 1961-62

FCO 141/5488: True Action magazine's article on the 'Mau Mau army' in Jamaica 1961

FCO 141/5473: banning of undesirable publications 1961

FCO 141/5465: report of attempted pirating of a Colombian aircraft 1961

FCO 141/5466: diplomatic visa for Gerardo Sanchez Robert of Cuba 1961-62

FCO 141/5394: vetting of staff of the University College of the West Indies 1961-62

FCO 141/5406: visit of Russian ships to Jamaica 1962

FCO 141/5302: trade union schools in the USSR 1962

FCO 141/5350: Russian overflights 1962

FCO 141/5215: installation of a wireless transmitting set at United States Consulate General, Kingston 1961-62

**Political activity**

FCO 141/5295: People's Freedom Movement; activities (includes police report and party poster) 1956-60

FCO 141/5351: activities of Leslie Alexander; Kingston Waterfront Workers Union 1960-61

FCO 141/5296: Universal Negro Improvement Association 1960

FCO 141/5494: Lawrence Adler, prohibited immigrant to Grenada 1960

FCO 141/5484: prohibition of importation of communist films 1960-61

FCO 141/5461: launching of the Radical Nationalist Party 1960

FCO 141/5227: activities of the Council of Afro West Indian Affairs 1960 Colonial administration records (migrated archives) guidance

FCO 141/5330: disillusioned students from Colonial Territories in Iron Curtain countries 1961

FCO 141/5332: launching of the Rent Assessment League 1961

FCO 141/5389: riot control problems; use of spraying dyes 1961-62

Independence

FCO 141/5299: preparations for Jamaica Independence celebrations 1961-62

FCO 141/5404: independence celebrations; representation of Commonwealth and foreign countries 1962

FCO 141/5457: debate on colonialism in the United Nations 1962

FCO 141/5463: proposed arrangements for Jamaica’s admission to the United Nations 1962

FCO 141/5464: establishment of an Israeli Consulate in Jamaica 1962

FCO 141/5474: recognition of the Governor-General as Commander-in-Chief 1962

FCO 141/5495: military arrangements for Jamaican independence 1961

FCO 141/5212: general elections, 1962 (arrangement of and measures to avoid violence) 1961-62

FCO 141/5381: presentations to the Premier and Government of Jamaica on independence 1962

FCO 141/5421: arrangements for independence in Jamaica; Constitutional Conference, London, February 1962; financial and defence discussions 1961-62

Regional/Federation of the West Indies

FCO 141/5341: Standing Closer Association Committee; report 1950

FCO 141/5265: Federation of the West Indies; correspondence with the Federal Government 1957-61

FCO 141/5368: visit of the West Indian Trade Mission to the UK 1958-59

FCO 141/5364: Ninth Central American and Caribbean Games, 1960-62

FCO 141/5476, 5501: international air traffic rights; report of Commission of Inquiry on Civil Aviation in the West Indies 1960

FCO 141/5476: international air traffic rights 1961-62

FCO 141/5371: Jamaicans employed with the Federal Government 1961

Cuba

FCO 141/5327: transhipment of arms and ammunition to Cuba 1959

FCO 141/5258, 5345, 5480, 5354-5358, 5455: Cuba: Cuban activities in Jamaica (reports on groups and individuals around time of Castro’s overthrow of the Batista government), arrival of ships, planes from Cuba; Cuban activities - Jean Miret, Joint Intelligence Committee Cayman Islands

FCO 141/5459: Cayman Islands Deportation (British Subjects) Law 1941 and Immigration Restriction Law, 1941 and 1961 1941-62

FCO 141/5224: Cayman Islands census, April 1960 (arrangements for) 1960-1962

FCO 141/5229, 5427: constitutional relationships of the Cayman Islands to the Federation of the West Indies upon independence 1961

FCO 141/5334: Cayman Islands - Advisory Public Service Commission 1961-62

FCO 141/5428: arrangements for defence of the Cayman and Turks and Caicos Islands 1962

FCO 141/5230: proposed broadcasting station in Cayman Islands 1959

FCO 141/5437: proposals by United Shrimp Producers to operate in Cayman Islands 1958

FCO 141/5342, 5448: Cayman Islands - Global Seamen's Union; litigation in USA 1959-62

FCO 141/5431: orders made under West Indies Exchange Control Act; application to the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands 1959-61

FCO 141/5424: oil exploration in Cayman Islands; regulations 1950-55

FCO 141/5262, 5481: deterioration in the administration of justice in the Cayman Islands; possible prosecution for in ‘ganja’ offences 1955-1961

FCO 141/5197: legislation in regard to trading with the enemy 1951-53

FCO 141/5217: operational control of West India Regiment 1958-60

Turks and Caicos Islands

FCO 141/5281, 5313, 5343, 5367, 5426, 5429, 5446, 5475, 5449, 5460, 5447: future of islands after Jamaica withdraws from Federations, application from the Dominican Republic to purchase land, Turks Islands Importers, constitutional relationship with federation, suspicious marine activity, administrative staffing, oil exploration, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, vetting of personnel, Stafford Alam Misick, UK resident, constitutional changes, secondment of Mr G C Guy as administrator, lease of Pine Cay to Count Ferdinand Czernin, 1959-1962

British Guiana, British Honduras, Grenada

FCO 141/5472: future deployment in British Honduras, the Bahamas and British Guiana 1961

FCO 141/5458: disorders in British Guiana, February 1962 1962

FCO 141/5373: British Honduras relations with Guatemala 1958

FCO 141/5390: Governor of British Honduras; Sir C H Thornley’s addresses to Legislative Assembly, 1958 and 1961 1934-62

FCO 141/5294: jurisdiction of American Consulate General, Port of Spain, Trinidad 1959 FCO 141/5467: internal security in Grenada 1961

FCO 141/5468: report of the Commission of Enquiry into the control of public expenditure in Grenada during 1961 and subsequently 1962

FCO 141/5252: Eric Gairy; petitions 1957-58

FCO 141/5478: organisation of Special Branch office, St Kitts 01/01/1961 31/12/1961 6370

FCO 141/5479: purchase of British West Indian Airways (BWIA) by Government of Trinidad and Tobago 1961-62

Emigration

FCO 141/5204, 5208, 5277, 5284: West Indian immigration to the UK; policy; Commonwealth Immigrants Bill; policy (deals with possible impact of bill and problems of West Indian unemployment in Britain) 1958-62

FCO 141/5439, 5497: Jamaican emigrants in Cuba 1957-61

FCO 141/5497: Jamaican and other West Indian emigrants in Cuba 1961-62

Economy, industry and agriculture

FCO 141/5289, 5291: sugar industry of Jamaica (report of Commission of Enquiry, effects of mechanisation on the industry) 1959-62

FCO 141/5498: sugar industry workers displaced by mechanisation at Monymusk 1961

FCO 141/5298, 5340: closer economic association with Europe 1961 (reports on Jamaica exports to Europe) 1961-62

Other files

FCO 141/5205, 5450: visits - Princess Margaret, 2 May 1958, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Chief of the Defence Staff, March 1962 1958-62

FCO 141/5243: Political Academy of the West Indies 1960

FCO 141/5259: visit of members of staff of British Embassy Havana to Jamaica 1961-62

FCO 141/5263: bribery allegation against Mr J A McPherson, Minister for Education 1948-49

FCO 141/5282: establishment of a Ministry of Welfare and Culture 1961

FCO 141/5293: issue of visa to Mikhail Sergeitchik 1960

FCO 141/5306: Commonwealth Sugar Agreement; South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth 1961-62

FCO 141/5307: establishment of UK High Commissioner's Office in Jamaica 1961-62

FCO 141/5326: imports from Soviet Bloc 1958

FCO 141/5344: salvage claim against motor vessel Rambler 1961

FCO 141/5347: annual meeting at Min Chi Tang, 4 September 1960 1960

FCO 141/5349: prefixing of telegrams 1961-62 FCO 141/5352: appointments to the Senate by the Governor-General 1962

FCO 141/5366, 5425, 5485: diplomatic mail timing; arrangements, handling 1952-61

FCO 141/5370: issue of United States visas to members of British Embassy staff in Cuba 1961

FCO 141/5405: University of the West Indies; Conference on Common Services 1959-62

FCO 141/5451: gambling in Jamaica 1962

FCO 141/5456: order of precedence of Ministers 1960

FCO 141/5470: report of the West Indies Constitutional Conference 1961, held in London, May and June 1961 1961

FCO 141/5471: proposed attachment of Hugh Springer from Jamaica to the UK Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly 1961

FCO 141/5477: United Nations technical assistance; Operational and Executive Personnel (OPEX) Scheme 1960-61

FCO 141/5483: British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) office in Havana, Cuba 1961

FCO 141/5490: UK Criminal Appeal Act 1907 (as amended); proposal for introduction of section 19(a) in Jamaica 1961

FCO 141/5496: Queen's Messenger Service 1962

FCO 141/5499: United Nations Committee on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories 1960-61

Colonial administration records (migrated archives) guidance In 1798, France captured Malta from the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, to whom it had been ceded since 1530. France surrendered Malta to Britain in 1800 and the island was formally ceded in the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1814. The Order of St Michael and St George was created in 1818 for the inhabitants of Malta and the Ionian Islands and British naval forces serving in the Mediterranean. Given the position of the colony in the centre of the Mediterranean, together with its harbour and fortifications, Malta was of great strategic importance for Britain throughout the nineteenth century, in both the First and Second World Wars and on to the 1960s.

Malta was granted a new constitution in 1921, which incorporated an elected assembly. At the same time, politics in the island were becoming increasingly polarised and turbulent. Rivalry between the pro-Italian and anti-imperialist Nationalist Party under Dr Enrico Mizzi and the pro-imperial Constitutionalist Party under Sir Gerald Strickland became increasingly intense as elections scheduled for 1931 approached. During 1930, the Vatican sent a delegate, Monsignor Pascal Robinson, to protect the interests of the Catholic Church in Malta. The Archbishop of Malta issued a letter instructing voters not to support Strickland or his candidates in the forthcoming elections. The outcome was the suspension of both the constitution and elections. A Commission of Inquiry into the working of the constitution was appointed and the constitution was restored in 1932 only to be again suspended in 1933.

The role of the Maltese people in the Second World War, during which they experienced heavy bombardments, was recognised when King George VI awarded them the George Cross Medal. Representative government was established following heavy bombardment during the Second World War. Responsible government was re-established in 1947 and a referendum on full integration into the United Kingdom was held in 1956. However, Malta became an independent member of the Commonwealth on 21st September 1964 and a republic on 13th December 1974 under Sir Anthony Mamo, the first President of the Republic of Malta. British troops finally left the island in 1979.

Below are a selection of files grouped according to theme to assist research. This list should be used in conjunction with the full catalogue list as not all are included here. The bulk of the files date from the 1920s and 1930s. A substantial number relate to the constitutional crisis of the early 1930s and the dispute with the Vatican. A further range of files concern the award of honours, some of which are indicated here.

They complement files held in the catalogue series CO 158 Malta: Original Correspondence 1801-1951 and CO 926 Mediterranean: Original Correspondence 1936-66 Constitutional matters, constitution of 1921 and subsequent amendments

FCO 141/7804: administration of the Government during the Governor's absence 1906

FCO 141/7897-7902: draft of constitution, proposals for reform of, suggestion and observations 1919

FCO 141/8057: Letters Patent amending certain provisions of Letters Patent of 1921, 1927

FCO 141/8015: new table of precedence for Malta; submission to await the coming into operation of new Constitution 1920

FCO 141/7934, 7937: memorandum presented by Dr Pullicino; by Lieutenant Governor 1919

FCO 141/7996, 8004: use of English and Italian languages in education under New Constitution; suggestions for amendment of section 57 by Sir G Strickland 1921

FCO 141/8023: petition to the King by Legislative Assembly for the amendment of certain sections of Constitution 1928

FCO 141/8264: announcement in Parliament regarding suspension of the Malta Constitution 1930

FCO 141/8023, 8026, 8031, 8047, 8051, 8085-8086, 8151-8054, 8192: Amendment Letters Patent, 1927; promulgation, memorandum from Ministers recommending alteration of the Malta Constitution Letters Patent, protests against amendment; draft amendment, petitions for amendment; memorandum of interpretation of Letters Patent 1927-29

FCO 141/8084: printed copies of The Malta Constitution (Amendment) Letters Patent 1928

FCO 141/8118: constitutional relations of the two sides of the dyarchy in Malta 1929

FCO 141/8162: Legal Adviser's opinion of certain constitutional points 1930

FCO 141/8156: constitutional points arising out of Archbishop's request for writ for election of two Senators 1930

FCO 141/8346: constitutional position 1933-35

FCO 141/8522: Constitution 1936 1935-36

FCO 141/8734: new Constitution electoral arrangements 1938

FCO 141/7966: Act XXV of 1924, Emergency Powers Act; request for Legal Adviser's opinion 1925

FCO 141/8387: constitutionalist press 1935

Relations with Catholic Church and the Vatican, election of 1930

FCO 141/8175: articles in the Nationalist press on proposed Concordat with the Holy See 1929

FCO 141/8176: instructions regarding agreement with the Vatican 1929

FCO 141/8145, 8152, 8180, 8182-8183, 8185-8186, 8188: differences between Church and State in Malta; despatch to Holy See, Holy See's pro-memoria 1929 FCO 141/8128, 8157, 8165, 8167, 8170, 8173, 8197-8202, 8204, 8208-8209, 8212-8213, 8215-8216, 8219-8226, 8230, 8233-8234, 8237-8238, 8245-8246, 8250, 8252, 8253, 8262, 8269, 8274, 8277-8278, 8284, 8293, 8304, 8307, 8310, 8314, 8316: relations, negotiations and dispute between HM Government and the Vatican: correspondence, publication of papers, White Paper, proposed concordat 1930

FCO 141/8231: increased political activity amongst priests in Malta 1930

FCO 141/8090, 8093, 8108, 8138, 8142-8043: visit of Lord Strickland to the Vatican 1928-29

FCO 141/8092, 8095-8096: title and dignity of Archbishop conferred on all future Bishops of Malta 1928

FCO 141/8045, 8056, 8073, 8098: re-establishment of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rhodes 1927-28

FCO 141/8102: mode of conducting negotiations with the Vatican by the Head of the Ministry 1929

FCO 141/8112: case of Father Carta and Father Micallef 1929

FCO 141/8148-8149: action of the Vatican in relation to Maltese affairs; views of HM Government and Foreign Office correspondence

FCO 141/8160: letter from the Archbishop for writ for the representation of Clergy in the Senate, issue of writ 1930

FCO 141/8193-8194, 8196, 8207: issue of the writ for the nomination of Clergy representatives in the Senate 1930

FCO 141/8317: Italian language in Malta 1931

FCO 141/8319: reception by Pope of a pilgrimage of 150 Maltese 1931

FCO 141/8323: views of Monsignor Robinson on dispute between HM Government and Holy See 1929-32

FCO 141/8324: Officer Administering the Government (OAG); demi-official correspondence concerning Malta Royal Commission and Church authorities 1931-32

FCO 141/8140: Cardinal Gasparri’s letter to the Bishops 1929

FCO 141/8187: letter to British Legation to the Holy See, concerning Father Carta; censorship of Italian newspapers in Malta; and changes of names streets 1929

FCO 141/8161: letter from the Archbishop asking for the issue of a writ for the representation of the special class of the Clergy in the Senate 1930

FCO 141/8155: withdrawal of summons issued against Father Carta 1929-30

FCO 141/8340: site for Casa Dandria as Head Office of Azione Cattolica 1933-34

FCO 141/8164: issue of writ for the nomination of members to represent the clergy in the Senate 1930

FCO 141/8458: destruction of gospels in Maltese by General Post Office (GPO); British and Foreign Bible Society 1935-37

FCO 141/8460: religious orders in Malta 1933-45

FCO 141/8462: events arising out of prosecution of Father Carta 1929-35 FCO 141/8526: 'Catholic Action' and the Boys Scouts 1936-38

FCO 141/8137: letter addressed by the Archbishop of Malta to Rev Father F R Carta 1929

FCO 141/8577: attendance of Roman Catholics at official ceremonies held in non-Catholic churches

FCO 141/8228: attitude of the Ecclesiastical Authorities in connection with the elections 1930

FCO 141/8309: notes of interview between the Lieutenant-Governor and the Archbishop of Malta 1930

Politics, elections and media relations

FCO 141/7830, 7835: election of members and despatches of 17 and 28 December 1906 concerning 'Consiglio Popolare' 1906-07

FCO 141/7870-7871, 7888: political situation in Malta as described in Italian newspapers 1911

FCO 141/7891: correspondence between Sir G Strickland on report of Malta Royal Commission, 1911 1912

FCO 141/7921, 7926: memorial and letter from members of Council of Government on amendment of Malta Defence Regulations 1916 1918

FCO 141/7946: relative precedence between Rear Admiral Ballard and Major General Hunter-Blair 01/01/1917 31/12/1917

FCO 141/7998: action taken under Section 57 (2) of Malta Letters Patent 1921 on languages in schools 1921

FCO 141/8025: speech by Head of Ministry on competence of Legislature to deal with reserved matters 1928

FCO 141/8039-8042, 8072: Italian attitude towards political situation in Malta, August 1927 election, Sir G Strickland 1927

FCO 141/8115: request for appointment of Apostolic Visitor; and action of Ministers in regard to reserved matters 1929

FCO 141/8131, 8133: visit of Lord Strickland to the Colonial Office and Cardinal Secretary of State to discuss Concordat 1929

FCO 141/8136: position of Agent-General in London for Maltese Government 1929

FCO 141/8141: breach of propriety in publishing certain documents 1929

FCO 141/8149: action of the Vatican in relation to Maltese affairs; correspondence with the Foreign Office 1929

FCO 141/8150: interviews between Lord Strickland and Members of the Colonial Office 1929

FCO 141/8232: postponement of elections 1930

FCO 141/8235: proposed visit of the Governor to London 1930

FCO 141/8243, 8247: situation in Malta consequent upon postponement of elections 1930

FCO 141/8248, 8251: applicability of Emergency Powers Order-in-Council; authorisation of promulgations 1928 1930

FCO 141/8249: J Miller - reasons for his attempt on Lord Strickland's life 1930 FCO 141/8254-8256: form of Government in Malta pending General Election and political situation 1930

FCO 141/8258: temporary establishment of Crown Colony Government of Malta 1930

FCO 141/8259: validity of laws 1930

FCO 141/8260: method of dealing with prohibition of demonstrations 1930

FCO 141/8263: proposed establishment of Crown Colony Government in Malta 1930

FCO 141/8391: Reuters Agency 1935

FCO 141/8350: 'Il Poplu', 'Mid-Day Views' (nationalist newspapers) 1934-36

FCO 141/8351: press 1933-34

FCO 141/8266: announcement in House of Commons regarding change of Government in Malta 1930

**Army, Military matters, defence and supplies**

FCO 141/8338: scheme to cope with internal disorder or riot by civil population 1933

FCO 141/7947: letter from Dr Enrico Mizzi 1917

FCO 141/7828, 7993, 8005, 8013, 8062, 8077: legal Adviser to the military authorities, honorarium, duties, Prof M A Refalo 1918-21

FCO 141/8286: correspondence with the Colonial Office on Malta funds towards cost of troops 1930

FCO 141/7928: increase of emoluments of Professor M A Refalo as Legal Adviser to the Services 1918

FCO 141/8022: revised copy of Order of Precedence 1920

FCO 141/8380: air raids; staff and stores 1935

FCO 141/8372: information concerning motor vehicles, generators etc to be requisitioned by Military Authorities 1935

FCO 141/8394: transfer of store No. 1, Pinto, to Officer in charge of Air Raids Staff and Stores 1936-39

FCO 141/8648: annual returns of officers in Reserve of Navy, Army and Air Force 1927-42

FCO 141/8735: cooperation of Malta Government with War Office for publicity and encouragement of army recruiting 1938

FCO 141/8562: supply of frozen pork to Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) 1936

FCO 141/8681: enlistment of Maltese in RAF in Malta; RAF Malta Auxiliaries 1937

FCO 141/8620: reports on seconded Army officers, Captain B Webb-Carter 1936-39

FCO 141/7848: restrictions on use of British ports abroad by foreign ships; memo by Oversea Defence Committee 1913 FCO 141/7961: visit of Italian warships to Malta 01/01/1924 31/12/1924

FCO 141/7968: visit of three Italian Scout vessels 1925

FCO 141/8003: memorandum Overseas Defence Committee on 'Restrictions on use of British ports abroad by foreign ships' 1921

FCO 141/8011: deciphering by Italians of wireless messages between Malta and Constantinople 1920

FCO 141/8014: instructions for military action to be taken in aid of Civil Power 1920

FCO 141/8016: organization necessary in the event of disturbances calling for exceptional measures 1920

FCO 141/8652: Malta Royal Naval Reserve 01/01/1922 31/12/1924

FCO 141/8428: anti-gas squads and decontamination centres 1935-36

**Administration and immigration**

FCO 141/7981: memorandum by Chief Inspector, Aliens Branch, Home Office, on subject of value of passports in connection with control of aliens 1923

FCO 141/7995: procedure to be followed at opening of Maltese Legislature by HRH The Prince of Wales; press report of opening of South African Union Parliament 1921

FCO 141/8002: visit of HRH The Prince of Wales to Malta, November 1921, 1921

FCO 141/8066: proposal to hold a Radio Telegraph Conference in Washington in 1927; proposed draft regulations 1926

FCO 141/8069: Technical Wireless Regulations; interim report; point-to-point stations in Malta 1926

FCO 141/8270: administration of Government of Malta during the Governor's leave of absence 1930

FCO 141/8633: issue of passport and certificate of naturalization for Mr Ralph Beneducci Martin Trigona 1936-41

**Trial of Dr Enrico Mizzi**

Dr Enrico Mizzi was a Maltese politician, later Prime Minister. In 1917 he was court martialed on charges of sedition under the Malta Defence Regulations for writings and statements against the British.

FCO 141/7907: trial by court martial of Dr Enrico Mizzi; question of whether Dr Mizzi's conviction disqualifies him from sitting or voting in the Council of Government 1917

FCO 141/7912: petition from seven Members of Council of Government regarding the case of Dr Enrico Mizzi; question of restoration of civil rights to Dr Mizzi; and amendment of Malta Defence Regulation in regard to loss of civil rights 1918 31/12/1918

FCO 141/7914: case of Dr Enrico Mizzi; reply to further communication from seven Elected Members of the Council of Government 1818

FCO 141/7854: intercepted letter addressed by Dr Enrico Mizzi to Giovanni Giglio, Palermo 1915 FCO 141/8132: evidence given by Father Carta in the case 'The Police versus Dr Enrico Mizzi' 1929

FCO 141/7923: communication from Abstentionist Members regarding Stamp Duties Ordinance, case of Dr Enrico Mizzi, appointment of Mr Azzopardi as unofficial member of Executive Council and present Constitution 1918

FCO 141/8440, 8441: prosecution of nationalist newspaper 'Malta' (editor Dr Enrico Mizzi) 1934-40

FCO 141/8525: 'ultra vires' case; legal proceedings by Dr Enrico Mizzi to contest legality of suspension of Constitution 1934-36

FCO 141/7847, 7849: communications from Dr Enrico Mizzi 1913

FCO 141/7895: submission from deputies of the parish priests of Gozo concerning Dr Enrico Mizzi and election in the 8th District 1917

FCO 141/7945: Hon Enrico Mizzi; letters addressed by him to the Governor and to the Competent Military Authority in connection with his arrest 1917

FCO 141/7944: absence of Dr Enrico Mizzi from the sittings of Council of Government for two calendar months 1917

FCO 141/7939: Hon Dr Enrico Mizza; request for document containing certain information in connection with his trial before a General Court-Martial, for production in Court of Appeal 1917

FCO 141/7908: election at Gozo; amendment of local laws regarding loss of civil and political rights; complete rehabilitation of Dr Enrico Mizzi 1917

FCO 141/7943: case of Dr Enrico Mizzi; reprimand passed by the Governor on Dr Mizzi 1917

FCO 141/7922, 7938: petition by Dr Enrico Mizzi to the Governor for civil and political rehabilitation 1918

FCO 141/7909: proceedings at 'La Giovine Malta' club on occasion of entertainment given in honour of Dr Enrico Mizzi 1917

Honours and awards

FCO 141/7894, 7904-7905, 7910-7911, 7918-7919, 7920, 7925, 7927, 7930: recommendations for appointments to Order of the British Empire 1918-19

FCO 141/8334: King's Birthday honours 1933

FCO 141/7969-7971: King's Birthday honours 1925

FCO 141/7844, 7853, 7857, 7940, 7893, 8012, 7940: recommendations for honours other than Imperial Service Order 1916-20

FCO 141/7815, 8740, 7875, 7877, 7892, 7949, 7964-7965, 7976, 7985, 8009, 8027, 8038, 8067, 8070, 8094, 8190, 8205: honours recommendations, 1909, 1912, 1914, 1917, 1921, 1923-30

FCO 141/7799: further instructions regarding recommendations for admittance to Order of St Michael and St George 1904

FCO 141/780-81: recommendation of Mr N Tagliaferro for a CMG 1904

FCO 141/7818: bestowal of honours in Malta 1908 FCO 141/7821: recommendation of Colonel N Grech Biancardi CVO for CMG 1910

FCO 141/7796: 7816, 7819-20, 7824-7825, 7829, 7884: honours 1908-10

FCO 141/7973, 8415-7920: honours 1925, 1930-57

FCO 141/7973: New Year’s honours 1926

FCO 141/7826: honours; correspondence with Grand Priory of the Order of St John 1909

FCO 141/7827: list of honours held by Maltese, or persons holding office in Malta; local table of precedence 1909

FCO 141/7931: recommendation of Judge Giovanni Pullicino for a Knighthood in New Year’s honours 1918

FCO 141/7935: appointment of Cavaliere Cesare de Lancellotti as Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire 1919

FCO 141/7936: proposed bestowal of honorary distinctions upon certain Foreign Consular Officers in Malta; services rendered by M Ledoulx, M Batistatos and Mr Joseph Howard 1919

FCO 141/7949: honours 1917; recommendation of Mr E Bonavia for CMG 1917

FCO 141/7952: honours; recommendation of Judge Pullicino for a Knighthood 1917

FCO 141/7960: proposed bestowal of OBE on Mr J A Galizia 1924

FCO 141/7963, 7967, 7972: honours in connection with the British Empire Exhibition 1924-25

FCO 141/7974: New Year’s honours 1926; proposed appointment of Professor A Mercieca, Chief Justice as Knight Bachelor 1925

FCO 141/7975: recommendations for honours on occasion of New Year 1923

FCO 141/7978: bestowal of honours on the occasion of His King’s birthday; acceptance of Mr J Huber and Major V C Micallef 1923

FCO 141/7987: Order of the British Empire; King’s decision to continue the Order upon a permanent basis, instructions for recommendations 1922

FCO 141/8017: bestowal of honorary distinctions upon certain consular officers in Malta 1920

FCO 141/8018: recommendations for appointment to Order of the British Empire 1920

FCO 141/8061, 8064: proposed bestowal of Birthday honours 1926-27

FCO 141/8071: Exhibition Honours; proposed bestowal of MBE on Mr Randon 1926

FCO 141/8100: New Year’s honours; Professor A Bartolo, Knight Bachelor and Major E J Briffa de Piro, MBE 1929

FCO 141/8107: New Year’s honours List; publication postponed owing to the King’s illness 1928

FCO 141/8111: Order of the British Empire; instructions regarding recommendations for appointment to the Military Divisions and for the award of the Medal of the Order 1929 FCO 141/8114: New Year’s honours; Professor A Bartolo, Knight Bachelor and Major E J Briffa de Piro, MBE 1929

FCO 141/8121: Birthday honours 1929; proposed bestowal of MBE on Mr Joseph Briffa 1929

FCO 141/8174: New Year’s honours; proposed bestowal of the honour of Knight Bachelor on Professor T Zammit, CMG, MD, D.Litt (Oxon) 1929

FCO 141/8166, 8181: recommendation for bestowal of a Knighthood on Dr Philip Pullicino 1929-30

FCO 141/8241: Birthday honours; proposed bestowal of OBE on Mr Arthur Galea 1930

FCO 141/7941: recommendations to be made for Order of the British Empire 1917

FCO 141/8719: Statutes of the Order of the British Empire; George Cross and George Medal 1926-55

FCO 141/8605: changes in insignias, decorations and medals, consequent upon the change of reign; OBE to be used for perpetuating memory of King George V 1936-37

FCO 141/7896: amended statutes of Order of the British Empire dated 28 March 1919, 1919

FCO 141/7942: statutes of Order of the British Empire; first list of persons appointed to the Order; list of appointments to the new Order of the Companions of Honour 1917

FCO 141/8037, 8044: honours, General Sir J P Du Cane 1927

FCO 141/7987: Order of the British Empire; King’s decision to continue the Order upon a permanent basis, instructions for recommendations 1922

FCO 141/7962: services rendered by Captain Wisely in the establishment of a hospital in Malta for merchant 1924

FCO 141/7913: services rendered by Major General W C Hunter-Blair, CB, CMG, Colonel J C Robertson, CIE, CMG, Lt Col A J H Keyes, RGA, and Mr William Hogarth, Superintendent of Victualling Yard, Malta 1918

FCO 141/8034: proposed bestowal of CMG on Dr Lewis Francis Mizzi 1927

FCO 141/8054: presentation of Insignia by the Duke of York to Dr U P Mifsud, Dr A Critien and Mr E R Mifsud 1927

Colonial administration records (migrated archives) guidance